Antibodies directed to pig non-Gal antigens in naïve and sensitized baboons

• Published in: Xenotransplantation (Københaven) 2006-09, Vol.13 (5), p.400-407
• Main Authors: Ezzelarab, Mohamed, Hara, Hidetaka, Busch, Jamie, Rood, Pleunie P. M., Zhu, Xiaocheng, Ibrahim, Zuhaib, Ball, Suyapa, Ayares, David, Awwad, Michel, Cooper, David K. C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockout; 3Gal; Animals; anti-pig antibodies; Antibodies - analysis; baboon; Complement System Proteins - immunology; cytotoxicity; Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; Flow Cytometry; Galactosyltransferases - genetics; Galactosyltransferases - immunology; Galα1; Galα1,3Gal; Graft Rejection - immunology; Heart Transplantation - immunology; Immunoglobulin G - immunology; Immunoglobulin M - immunology; Leukocytes, Mononuclear - immunology; Papio; Papio anubis - immunology; Papio hamadryas - immunology; pig; Primates; Swine - immunology; Transplantation, Heterologous; xenotransplantation; α1,3‐galactosyltransferase gene‐knockout
• ISSN: 0908-665X; 1399-3089
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3089.2006.00320.x

:  Background:  As pigs homozygous for α1,3‐galactosyltransferase gene‐knockout (GT‐KO) are available, primate antibodies to pig non‐Gal antigens can be studied. Methods:  Sera from 56 baboons were tested for binding of IgM and IgG to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from both wild‐type (WT) and GT‐KO pigs by flow cytometry. Complement‐dependent cytotoxicity was measured in 39 sera. Antibody and cytotoxicity responses were measured in two baboons exposed to a GT‐KO pig heart, one not immunosuppressed and one that received only cobra venom factor. Results:  IgM and IgG bound to 95% and 79% of WT PBMC, and 32% and 9% GT‐KO PBMC, respectively (WT vs. GT‐KO, P